Published: June 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 459
Copy Provided by: e-book from the library
Summary: Goodreads
Summary:
Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.
Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.
Review:
I was drawn to this title when it was suggested by a co-worker. I have to say that as a cover love it or leave it kinda gal, I would have originally put it back on the shelf. She did give me fair warning though - It takes awhile to get used to the language and tone of the narrator. Huh? What was that supposed to mean? It did not take long for me to comprehend. Ms. Young wrote this story in first person in the voice of Saba. At about page 10 I thought to myself "How the heck am I going to get through all of the grammar and spelling errors? Did Moira Young turn off her spell-check??". However, my friend said it was a great book so I stuck it out. I was surprised at how Saba's "voice" and lack of correct grammar began to lend itself to the mood and depth of the story.
Blood Red Road is a cross between Dune, Robin Hood and Gladiator. My initial impression was that it would be more Science Fiction but it was a little bit of everything rolled into one. The story revolves around the central character, Saba, whom I did not initially like. She treated her sister so poorly and seemed to only have her heart set on her brother. It was sad to see but at least she was honest about it. She seemed very simple but self-centered, had morals but had to re-evaluate them throughout her journey. The author subtly had her learn lessons, change her attitude and see the value of all different types of people, not just her brother. She grew to be trustful, gain friends and even allow herself to depend on others.
Overall, Blood Red Road was an excellent start to a series that I will continue reading in the future. There was TONS of adventure and action which kept the things moving quickly.... good thing too because I wanted to yell into my e-reader at the main character for the majority of my read. Two thumbs up for Blood Red Road. Just be ready to "read" in a different voice!
I was drawn to this title when it was suggested by a co-worker. I have to say that as a cover love it or leave it kinda gal, I would have originally put it back on the shelf. She did give me fair warning though - It takes awhile to get used to the language and tone of the narrator. Huh? What was that supposed to mean? It did not take long for me to comprehend. Ms. Young wrote this story in first person in the voice of Saba. At about page 10 I thought to myself "How the heck am I going to get through all of the grammar and spelling errors? Did Moira Young turn off her spell-check??". However, my friend said it was a great book so I stuck it out. I was surprised at how Saba's "voice" and lack of correct grammar began to lend itself to the mood and depth of the story.
Blood Red Road is a cross between Dune, Robin Hood and Gladiator. My initial impression was that it would be more Science Fiction but it was a little bit of everything rolled into one. The story revolves around the central character, Saba, whom I did not initially like. She treated her sister so poorly and seemed to only have her heart set on her brother. It was sad to see but at least she was honest about it. She seemed very simple but self-centered, had morals but had to re-evaluate them throughout her journey. The author subtly had her learn lessons, change her attitude and see the value of all different types of people, not just her brother. She grew to be trustful, gain friends and even allow herself to depend on others.
Overall, Blood Red Road was an excellent start to a series that I will continue reading in the future. There was TONS of adventure and action which kept the things moving quickly.... good thing too because I wanted to yell into my e-reader at the main character for the majority of my read. Two thumbs up for Blood Red Road. Just be ready to "read" in a different voice!
I was more angry with the sister. She NEVER did what Saba asked and added a lot of hardship. I wanted to slap her a few times! Great review. This is one of my faves.
ReplyDeleteThe first couple of times I too was annoyed with the younger sister but then I had compassion for her. She was still quite young and all alone. Saba was all she had...even though she was a pretty mean sister!
DeleteI loved Blood Red Road - and it did take a good long time to get used to Saba's "voice", but I also found that it lent itself very well to the story - it wasn't just a gimmick. So excited for Rebel Heart coming this fall...
ReplyDeleteI just couldn't get past Saba's voice in this one. I tried - twice - but no. It's a pity bacause so many people have said they enjoy it. Maybe I'll try listening to it?
Deletehmm...Blood Red Road in audio...that might be better. I just hope you don't have to pause and rewind to figure out what she was saying! :P
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